LONDON: It was an all too familiar procedure for Marin Cilic at The O2 Arena. As he walked into the press conference, he knew what question was coming. How did he lose the match again?
The season-ending tournament has been a venue of nightmares for the world No.5. Illustrated by his match against America’s Jack Sock. After battling to clinch the opening set, he dropped the second and then squandered a 3-0 lead in the decider. To make matters worst. The last three points of his encounter with Sock was decided by unforced errors made by him.
“It is frustrating, absolutely.” Cilic said following the loss.
“At The beginning of the third set I played well. Also on my service game where I lost my serve, I just missed a couple of shots. I made good decisions. I just missed two forehands. He made one great passing shot off a run.”
“These things can happen.”
The upbeat tone of the former US Open champion masks his record in the Tour Finals. This season is the third time time he has qualified for the event. Heading into his clash with Roger Federer on Thursday, Cilic has only managed to win one out of eight matches in the tournament. His sole win was against Kei Nishikori in 2016.
“Definitely not a great record, but I felt that I played well last year.” He reflected.
“In those three matches that I played, even with Stan, I had good chances at least to win. These two (in 2017) I also (had good chances).”
It is a unfair scenario for a player who has endured a highly successful 2017. Reaching the finals of Wimbledon before rising to a ranking high of fourth in October. His CV on the tour this season features a title from Istanbul, two appearances in finals and five runs to the semi-finals of tournaments. So far, he has a win-loss record currently stands at 44-21.
So what is the remedy for Cilic to shine at the end-of year finale? The answer is subjective, but he has an idea of what it takes. In his mind, it involves risk-taking and being ‘stubborn.’
“What makes the difference I think with these top guys, if you don’t take the chances, it’s one point here and there.” Cilic analysed. “I’m Just going to try to be a little bit more stubborn in my preparations maybe for the next match, and hopefully next year I’m going to perform better.”
This theory will be tested out when he takes on the formidable Federer. Somebody who has won more matches (53) in the competition than any other player in history.
“It has been this long stretch.” Cilic said about the season. “These last couple months, I’ve played a lot of matches as well. Still, it hasn’t bothered me much. I was quite motivated in both matches (in London). I felt that I played well.”
Cilic has only defeated Federer once in their eight previous encounters.
